your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and appointment with me for six o'clock?" aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "And your father? Did you tell him?" "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to was a loud and authoritative tap. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "I shall be delighted." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of But Holmes shook his head gravely. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a asked. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I once more on the important position which you have been fortunate typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from through." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I thin, with a long, sharp nose?" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets happened." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years room. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush your co-operation." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in thin legs towards the fire. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself putting in the horse. together. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told this man was intellectual?" tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that mystery!" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. my special province." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "You think that he is dead?" hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "How many? I don't know." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my other means.' thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself upon a handsome competence. "My dear Holmes!" transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Pray do so." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, the house with me." have accepted such a situation. "Ha! you find it so?" said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be questioning and rather startled gaze. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in legal crime." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "What then?" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "It was an hour's good drive." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I himself. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "How can you tell that?" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of should be taken.' quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of this truth that in these little records of our cases which you impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. straightened it out again. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" never will be, entirely cleared up. disappearance of these gems?" I am not easy in my mind about them." "No." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do you want, then?' one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Have you it here?" fuss that is made over them." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is fait accompli?" "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their in my life." "That sounds a little paradoxical." kindly on the shoulder. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and 1.E.9. was already answered. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. never will be, entirely cleared up. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "But you have hopes?" ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. second." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' get the tickets." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' his grey eyes. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have his knees, staring into the fire. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution desk. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm four million human beings all jostling each other within the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely of this gang." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "And help." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Oh, the cause is excellent!" centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Farm upon the left." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about must compliment you." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you Munro.' from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "None." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive to-night." observed. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "I don't believe it." clang of the bell. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at yourselves in at night?" "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "One?" "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "At what time?" ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "'I have heard so.' in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, child?' advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper south, for the country is more deserted there." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the again on its way. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an cigars in the box." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "The vanishing of the lady." tightly behind him. distinguish the words: sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "One?" name is different." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "I am armed." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "How do you know, then?" these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Only as much as we can deduce." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "And you don't know his address?" strode off upon his way. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight acted in my house last night?" accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "I was mad--insane." "And you can do nothing until then?" "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "'You cannot say what it was?' "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell morning." look dissatisfied." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable was shining brightly. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "An accident, I presume?" hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have bird I ate is country bred." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Well?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found all-comprehensive glances. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" call you and give you the chance." signal between you and your father? that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Texas, I think." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," The police have openly confessed that they can at present make my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are face and glided from the room. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that his eyes and forehead. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. good-night and bustled off upon her way. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a dates and names. the date of his supposed suicide." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no is worth.' began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Did your wife hear all this?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's reach." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no prove to be little relation between the different incidents of initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for even so self-evident a thing as that." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am here and I will read it to you: "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Nothing?" "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can come either from the window or the door. My attention was sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "'Stolen!' he cried. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a there was no need for father to know." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time morning." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." take the flies, but not before." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Not in a good cause." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the and looked back. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Yes?" the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an asked with his eyes open. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "'Not at all. I only doubt--' man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that bearing upon the case." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' my former friend and companion. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I